Process of ornamental dyeing



Patented Feb. 24, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE No Drawing.Application February 3, 1949, Serial No. 74,479

This application is a continuation in part of my United States patentapplication Serial No. 33,660, filed June 17, 1948.

My invention relates to dyed products and methods of forming same andhas for its object the provision of an improved method for dyeingtextile and paper products, an improved dyed textile and paper product,and an improved dye transfer medium and means.

The practical commercial dyeing of textile and paper product has been inthe past almost entirely limited to certain forms of dyeing, namely,transferring dye solutions to and on a material by immersion orbasically surface application, such as printing by block, screen orroller, with raised or cutout surfaces and by spray dyeing.

I have discovered that When a compressible porous fluid-absorbentmaterial is impregnated with an aqueous dye solution, such as iscommonly employed in the dyeing of fabrics, to the extent that theamount therein is substantially less than the absorption capacity of thematerial at normal temperatures and pressures, the impregnated materialmay be employed as a dye transfer medium with textile and paper productsby placing the medium and textile or paper products in juxtaposition andcompressing the two together, the amount of pressure employedcontrolling the extent of transfer of the dye solution contained in themedium.

I have further discovered that when the textile or paper product also isprovided with a water content the dispersion of the dye solution fromthe medium into the textile or paper product is greatly facilitated".

I have also discovered that by impregnating two or more of the dyetransfer mediumswith dinerently colored dye solutions and 'sandwichingthe textile or paper product therebetween before compressing multipledyeing of the textile or paper product may be obtained, which by varyingthe type and kind of pressure employed may be widely variegated and madesubstantially nonreproducible.

The present invention, accordingly, contemplates and includes the newtype of dye transfer medium, the new method of transferring the dye.from the medium to the textile or paper product, variations in the typeand kind of pressure employed in said new method by transferring the dyeto the textile or paper product, and the new type of dyed textile andpaper product pro duced thereby.

In accordance with these discoveries, the new dye. transfer medium. ofthe present invention comprises, inits broadest aspect, a compressible,

5' Claims. (Cl. 8--2.5)

porous, fluid absorbent body, preferably in sheet or strip form or aform which is substantially relatively thin as compared to its lengthand breadth, which is comprised of a substance or material which issubstantially inert or non-reactive with the usual type of dye solutionsemployed in the dyeing of textiles and paper prod ucts and resistant todeterioration at the usual temperatures employed in the usual dyeingpr0cess.

As one specific embodiment of such a dye transfer medium, but not as alimitation thereof, the materia1 found most suitable for the purposes ofthe present invention is a woven cotton fabric, preferably such fabricknown in the art as unbleached muslin.

Unbleached muslin is produced in a wide range of weights and weaves andfor the purposes of the present invention the particular weight andweave employed may-be widely varied without essential departure from thepresent invention, as all Weights and weaves of unbleached muslinmaterial are characterized by being highly absorbent towards aqueous dyesolutions and by being compressible within the scope of the presentinvention sufiiciently for the purpose of dye transfer.

The particular weight and Weave of such unbleached muslin materialselected for any given dye transfer operation, however, is subject tolimitation with respect to the weight and weave and kind of fabric orpaper to be dyed, it being apparent that as the weight of any giventextile material increases, the weight of the unbleached muslin dyetransfer material necessarily increases in some order or scale therebyto provide sufficient absorbed dye liquid to produce the desired dyeefiect at the pressure and type and kind of pressureemployed.

In the practice of the present invention'all types and kinds of textilematerials to be dyed may be employed, such as cotton, wool, silk, andvarious textiles comprised of synthetic cellulosic, proteinic andp-olyamide fibers or filaments. A large number of paper products alsomay be dyed or colored by the practice of the present invention.

The aqueous dye solutions adapted for use in the present inventionconsist of any of those water soluble dyes well known in the art, andheretofore employed in the dyeing of textiles and paper by heretoforeknown processes. The socalled fast-color dyes, however, are preferred.The dye solution, per se, forms no part of the present invention, exceptas an element in the combination hereinafter defined.

As one specific example of the practice of the present invention but notas a limitation of the same, I will describe the invention as practicedin the production of single-toned, two-toned, multiple-toned andvariegated toned textile comprised of silk of the weightcharacteristically employed in the manufacture of womens silk scarves.

In the manufacture of single-toned scarves in accordance with thepresent invention, the scarf material is placed in a position betweentwo dyeimpregnated compressible dye-transfer mediums of the presentinvention and the sandwich thus formed is compressed between oppositeplates, the pressure employed being variable but normally a constantwith any given medium, heating at the temperature at which the dyenormally will take a set in the fabric employed for a time intervaleffective to produce the desired setting of the said dye in the fabric.

To facilitate the rapid dispersion of the dye content of the medium intothe scarf material, the scarf material is moistened uniformlysufficiently to accomplish this desired result. Normally, the fabric tobe dyed is subjected, prior to the dyeing operation to a washing,de-sizing and bleaching operation to condition the same for dyeing. Inaccordance with the present invention, this preferred practice isfollowed, the bleached fabric then being rough dried to a lightlymoistened condition.

As an example of this specific embodiment, the usual weight of silkscarf material for womens wear is a medium weight and the amount of dyerequired to color this light weight material accordingly is relativelysmall and I have the option of employing a heavy weight unbleachedmuslin dye transfer medium carrying a relatively small amount ofabsorbed dye solution, a medium weight unbleached muslin dye transfermedium carrying a large amount of absorbed dye solution, or a lightweight unbleached muslin material for the dye transfer medium in whichthe absorbed dye solution closely approximates its saturation capacity.

In all of these possible variations, the essential object by compressionis to apply a pressure onto the sandwich which is effective to cause thedye solution which is in excess of the absorption capacity at thepressure employed to flow into the unsaturated material to be dyed, themoisture content of the undyed material facilitating the absorption anddispersion of the dye throughout the material and effectively shorteningthe time interval of application of the pressure as well as materiallyreducing the amount of pressure required to attain this result.

In the practice of this invention, in the forming of monoor single-toneddyed fabric, the material to be dyed which, preferably has a lightmoisture content of about 20% is laid flat between two sheets or padsimpregnated with the same color dye solution and the sandwich thusformed is compacted. The sandwich, however, may consist of a pluralityof alternate layers of transfer medium and fabric to be dyed with thetop and bottom layer consisting of the transfer medium. In such anassembly it is usually desirable to employ medium weight unbleachedmuslin for the dye-transfer medium, the absorbed quantity of dyesolution therein being calculated or experimentally determined toapproximate that needed and available at the pressure employed to dyethe sandwiched fabric properly.

As an illustration, a piece of the scarf silk of the weight described,which is approximately 36 inches wide and '72 inches long, will beprepared for dyeing and then placed between two similar sizeddye-transfer mediums comprised of unbleached muslin of medium weightimpregnated with a dye solution of the usual strength or concentrationemployed in the dyeing of such silk by the prior art dipping process, toabout 70% of its maximum absorption capacity at atmospheric temperaturesand pressures, when the sandwich is compressed between opposing fiatplates at a pressure approximating 10 pounds per square inch for a timeinterval approximating 2 seconds, particularly when the said scarfmaterial is provided with a moisture content of about 20% of itsabsorption capacity at atmospheric temperatures and pressure.

Various modifications and departures may be made in the type and kind ofpressure employed without essential departure from the invention. As anillustration, the transfer of the dye solution from the medium to thefabric may be accomplished in a continuous manner, if desired, as byfeeding the two impregnated dye-transfer mediums and the textile, eachin strip form, and with the textile sandwiched between the strip mediumsthrough one or more compressing rollers, the pressures of the rollersbeing adjusted to effect the compressive transfer of the dye solution bythe medium into the textile.

Alternately, the sandwich may be subjected to compressive forces such asby twisting, stamping, roping, folding, balling, rolling or other suchforms of compression.

Where two-toned dyeing of the fabric is desired, one face of the fabric,one color and the other face another color, the two dye-transfer mediumsof the sandwich are saturated to the extent desired with differentcolored dye solutions. Upon compression the different colored dyesolutions enter the opposite faces of the fabric and blend together atthe center. Care must be taken in this modification to limit the amountof the dye solution absorbed in each dye transfer medium to that whichat the pressure employed approximates one-half of the dye absorptionca-- pacity of the fabric, and the time interval employed forcompression transfer of the dye solution into the fabric must be closelycontrolled and regulated to obtain the desired two-toned effect.

A most unusual and important feature of my invention is thatextraordinary results can be accomplished entirely by either hand work,by machine or a combination of both, the same process governing theoperations of any or all ways.

Another important feature of my invention is that any kind of absorbentmaterial, for example, textiles and paper can be dyed by my method.

One of the objects of my invention is to obtain a non-repeating effect,yet always sufficiently close to be practical for commercial use.

Another object of my invention is to control the type of color effectsin a broad way by a combination of gathering in rope form, rolling,twisting and folding.

Another object of my invention is to control the type of color effectsby the amount of pressure applied to the materials and how that pressureis applied when in rope or other forms.

Another object of my invention is by proper control of moisture contentand distribution of same when the materials are put in sandwich orgthter form, to secure a great variety of color efec s.

Another object of my invention is by proper control of the amount of anddistribution of sizing ingredients inthe transfer medium materials whenthe materialsare put. in sandwich or other form to secure. a variety ofcolor effects- Another object of my invention is by use of differentweights, weaves, thickness, rigidity, smoothness, roughness. in thetransfer medium materials when the materials. are put in sandwich orother form to secure another type of variation in effects.

Another objectv of my invention is by variation in-the total amount. ofdyestuff solution (dye or dyes in solution) content or distribution inthe transfer medium material when the materials are put in sandwich formto. secure another variation in effects.

Another object of my invention is by not having a completely smoothedout condition of the materials when they are put in sandwich formtosecure certain ripple, wavy, undulating and other eifects, otherwisenot possible by? any other method.

Another object of my invention is obtaining, not solely a differentcolor, cast or hue on each side of the materials dyed, but obtainingdifferent variegated color eifects on each side of the dyed materials.

Another object of my invention is to secure an irregular beautifulshading or color spectrum effect between two or more colors, whichcannot be accomplished commercially by any other method.

Another object of my invention is to secure by controlling the amountand distribution of air in the materials, when wrapped in rope or otherform, spectacular effects, accomplished by no other means.

Another object of my invention is to secure an irregular non-definitelyrepeating effect of a hand painted material, which no other process .1

can do.

Another object of my invention is to dye three or more pieces ofmaterials simultaneously with proper control of the eventual effect, twobeing the limit in ordinary dyeing operations.

Another object of my invention is to secure at will desired effectswhich can be made to run lengthwise, crosswise, diagonally in onedirection, diagonally in two directions (herringbone effect), doubleherringbone effect, varying degree angle diagonals, radially andspirally.

Another object of my invention is by variation in the degree ofdissolving of one or more of the dyestuffs used in the dye-bath for anyone or more transfer medium materials, to produce an unusual efiect inthe material to be dyed and hitherto not accomplished.

Another object of my invention is by the proper relationship and controlof both moisture content and degree of flatness of the two sets ofmaterials and the sandwich to produce a marbelized effect, not otherwiseobtainable by any other method.

Another object of my invention is by the insertion of bands, ribbons,strips of cloth, cords, braids and yarns, at definite places in thematerials sandwich, to produce unusual irregular effects otherwise notobtainable.

In securing variegated color effects in the materials to be dyed,assuming for example with average normal weight materials that threepieces of said material are to be dyed, four transfer medium materialsthen must be used.

The seven materials, described in the previous paragraphs and preparedas stated previously,

are then placed one on. top of the other insane.- wich form, as follows,each material is generally laid out fiat, in respect to the adjoiningones, but not under great tension, either in length or breadth.

Transfer medium til-color black, for instance. First piece of materialto, be dyed.

Transfer medium #2colored blue, for instance. Second piece of materialto be dyed.

Transfer medium #3--colored green, for instance. Third piece of materialto be dyed.

Transfer medium #4=colored black, for instance.

The colors and the depth of same can be varied at will.

This sandwich as thus formed is then gathered together either selvage toselvage or on itself lengthways, rolled in some way, twisted in someway, folded in some way. or in a combination of the above four steps,depending on the eventual effect desired in the materials to be dyed.

The sandwich is next fastened securely in the desired form, which may becompared basically to what is known as rope form in the finishing branchof the textile industry. The rope may be bound spirally or otherwise byyarn, twine, cord, banding or cloth or twisted or wrapped by anothermaterial.

The next step is while the materials are in rope form, to squeeze outany excess moisture by running through some type of wringer or pressrolls. If certain types of effects are desired, the previous step may bepreceded by removing part of the excess moisture by pressure fiat on thesandwich or this last step may precede the former step.

Materials, still in bound or unbound rope form, are then subjected tosuiiicient temperature for the proper length of time, according to thetype of dyestuffs used, as well as depth and blending of color desiredto fit, or set, the dyestufi (dye) on or in the materials being dyed.This process may be accomplished in any known commercial way desired andavailable.

Next, the wrapping or covering, or both, is removed, the rope opened upand the materials again returned to fiat form.

The individual materials are then separated; the transfer mediummaterials washed for future use and the dyed materials washed, dried,tentered or otherwise treated in any regular method available anddesired.

Many variations may be made in carrying out my process without departingfrom the spirit and intent of the same and the said variations are setforth in the specification and defined by the claims.

I claim:

1. The method of dyeing a piece of fabric with water soluble dyes whichcomprises impregnating an elongated piece or compressible fluidabsorbent fabric material with an aqueous dye solution to an extentsubstantially less than the absorption capacity at normal temperaturesand pressures, placing the wet impregnated piece in juxtaposition with apiece of fabric to be dyed and twisting the two pieces together andcompressing the two pieces together at a pressure which transfers a partof the absorbed dye solution in the one piece into the other piece.

2. The method of dyeing a plurality of pieces of fabric with watersoluble dyes which comprises impregnating a plurality of elongatedpieces of compressible fiuid absorbent fabric material with an aqueousdye solution to an extent substantially less than its absorbent capacityat normal temperatures and pressures, placing the wet impregnated piecesin juxtaposition with the pieces of fabric to be dyed and twisting andcompressing them together at a pressure which transfers a part of theabsorbed dye solution from the impregnated pieces to the pieces to bedyed.

3. The method of dyeing a plurality of pieces of fabric with wateroluble dyes which comprises impregnating a plurality of elongated piecesof compressible fluid absorbent fabric material with an aqueous dyesolution to an extent substantially less than its absorbent capacity atnormal temperatures and pressures, placing the wet impregnated pieces injuxtaposition with the pieces of fabric to be dyed and winding spirallyand compressing them together at a pressure which transfers a part ofthe absorbed dye solution from the impregnated pieces to the pieces tobe dyed.

4. The method of dyeing a plurality of pieces of fabric with watersoluble dyes which comprises impregnating a plurality of elongatedpieces of compressible fluid absorbent fabric material with an aqueousdye solution to an extent substantially less than it absorbent capacityat normal temperatures and pressures, placing the wet impregnated piecesin juxtaposition with the pieces of fabric to be dyed and twisting andcompressing them together diagonally at a pressure which transfers apart of the absorbed solution from the impregnated pieces to the piecesto be dyed.

5. The method of dyeing a plurality of pieces of fabric with watersoluble dyes which comprises impregnating a plurality of elongatedpieces of compressible fluid absorbent fabric material with an aqueoussolution to an extent substantially less than its absorbent capacity atnormal temperatures and pressures, placing the wet impregnated pieces injuxtaposition with the pieces of fabric to be dyed and twisting andcompressing them together in advancing circles at a pressure whichtransfers a part of the absorbed dye solution from the impregnatedpieces to the pieces to be dyed.

FRANCES JOY PITT.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 41,776 Hudson Mar. 1, 18641,024,668 Becke Apr. 30, 1912 1,729,347 Kirschenbaum Sept. 24, 1929

